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Church abuse victim awarded $4.4 million

AUGUSTA, Maine — A former altar boy who said he was sexually abused by a priest in Maine 24 years ago has been awarded more than $4.4 million.

Steven Boyden, now 39, says he was abused at age 15 by the Rev. Ronald Michaud, his former pastor at St. Hyacinth’s Parish in Westbrook. A federal judge awarded Boyden $3.46 million in compensatory damages Friday and $1 million in punitive damages.

Though Michaud has few assets and has been through bankruptcy, Boyden’s lawyer told the Kennebec Journal the award represents the tremendous harm done to his client. Boydon’s father says the abuse took away his son’s youth, enjoyment in life and future.

Michaud was removed from the ministry in 1989. His lawyer had no comment Friday.